US strikes a witless bargain

3:02 PM,
Dec. 31, 2013

Written by

Hal Hogstrom
OPINION

Islam has a long tradition of charitable giving which is an obligation prescribed by the Koran. In Saudi Arabia this duty is zealously observed and oil wealth is channeled through the mosques to Muslim communities wherever they exist.

The branch of Islam which dominates in Saudi Arabia is called Wahhabism. It derives its name from an 18th century Sunni who preached a primitive version of the faith. It demands strict adherence to Islamic law, some elements of which were derived from tribal practices that predated Mohammed.